Angolan President João Lourenço urged South Africa to contribute to solving Mozambique’s instability during his visit to Pretoria. Highlighting the need for communication and dialogue to resolve electoral disputes, he also emphasized enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors, recognizing the positive impact of South African investments in Angola.
In a recent state visit to South Africa, Angolan President João Lourenço called upon South Africa to actively participate in resolving the ongoing instability in Mozambique. Speaking at a press conference after his meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria, Lourenço emphasized the necessity for regional collaboration to address the aftermath of contested general elections in Mozambique. He urged the involved parties to engage in dialogue to resolve current tensions and crises.
President Lourenço highlighted the significance of maintaining open lines of communication and consultation between Angola and South Africa to align on strategic responses to regional challenges. He contended that their collaboration, which commenced in 1998, must undergo a thorough review to enhance its effectiveness, covering critical areas including immigration, mineral resources, healthcare, and education, which could further reinforce bilateral relations.
During his visit, President Lourenço recognized the positive trend of South African investments in Angola, noting the contributions of South African companies to essential sectors such as telecommunications and logistics. The continuing economic partnership was acknowledged as a valuable asset for both nations. Ahead of this visit, Lourenço was honored with a 21-gun salute at the Union Buildings, marking an important moment in the diplomatic relations between Angola and South Africa. Following their discussions, the two leaders inaugurated a Business Forum aimed at fostering economic cooperation between their countries.
The crisis in Mozambique has been attributed to post-election tensions, stemming from one party’s refusal to accept electoral results, leading to instability in the region. Angola, sharing historical ties with Mozambique, is keen to promote peace and security in Southern Africa through diplomatic engagement. The collaboration between Angola and South Africa, dating back to the late 1990s, is seen as pivotal in addressing these regional challenges and fostering greater economic interdependence.
In conclusion, President João Lourenço’s appeal to South Africa underscores the need for collaborative efforts in resolving Mozambique’s crisis while strengthening bilateral ties. By promoting a dialogue-driven approach, both countries aim to address fundamental issues impacting regional peace and economic development. The discussions also affirm the importance of reevaluating existing cooperation frameworks to ensure their effectiveness in responding to contemporary challenges.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
